Jepson's willow facts for kids

Salix jepsonii is a type of willow tree or shrub. It is commonly called Jepson's willow. This plant was named after Willis Linn Jepson, a very famous plant scientist from California.

Jepson's willow is special because it is endemic to California. This means it naturally grows only in California and nowhere else in the world! You can find it in the Klamath Mountains and across the Sierra Nevada mountain range. It loves to grow near rivers and streams in high mountain areas. These areas are usually between 1,000–3,400 metres (3,300–11,200 ft) above sea level.

What Does Jepson's Willow Look Like?

Jepson's willow usually grows as a shrub. It can be anywhere from 1–3 metres (3.3–9.8 ft) tall. Sometimes, many of these plants grow close together, forming thick groups called "colonial thickets."

Its Leaves and How They Change

The leaves of Jepson's willow are shaped like a spear, which is called "lance-shaped." They can grow quite long, sometimes over 10 centimeters. When the leaves are new, they feel hairy. As they get older, the hairs on the underside of the leaves become soft and silky.

Flowers and Reproduction

The flowers of Jepson's willow grow in special clusters called catkins. A catkin is a long, thin group of tiny flowers without petals.

• Male catkins: These are short and thick, usually less than 2 centimeters long. They produce pollen.
• Female catkins: These are longer, growing up to 6 centimeters in length. They develop seeds after pollination.

Jepson's willow typically blooms, or produces its flowers, in June. This is when the catkins appear on the plant.